Hawaii (HIOSH)
Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health (HIOSH), a division of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR), runs Hawaii’s state plan for most private and public employers. HIOSH also oversees boiler and elevator safety in the state.
- Construction
- General Industry
- Public employees
- Hawaii
At a glance
| Agency | HIOSH, Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations |
|---|---|
| Covers | Most private employers and state and county government. Federal OSHA covers federal workers, military installations and some maritime work. |
| Rules | Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 12 (federal standards adopted with Hawaii additions) |
| Free employer help | HIOSH Consultation and Training |
Key Hawaii points
- Standards: Hawaii’s rules in Title 12 adopt federal construction and general industry standards with Hawaii-specific additions.
- Boilers and elevators: HIOSH’s Boiler and Elevator Safety Branch inspects and permits boilers, pressure vessels, elevators and similar equipment.
- Sun and heat: outdoor workers face strong sun and heat all year. See Sun Protection and Heat Illness.
- Natural hazards: tsunamis, hurricanes, flash floods and volcanic air (vog) can affect worksites. Know your site’s emergency plan. See Emergency Action Plans.
- Asbestos: the Department of Health certifies people and companies working at covered facilities. Single-family homes and buildings with four or fewer units aren’t covered by state asbestos rules. See Asbestos Rules by State.
Reporting injuries
Employers must report work-related deaths within 8 hours, and in-patient hospitalizations, amputations and loss of an eye within 24 hours. Check HIOSH for current procedures.
Complaints and retaliation
- File a safety complaint with HIOSH online, by phone or in writing.
- Hawaii law protects workers who raise safety concerns. Deadlines are short, so file a retaliation complaint with HIOSH right away.
Note: This page is a summary. Check HIOSH’s website for current rules.
Standards & references
- Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health
- Hawaii DOH: Asbestos program
- Wages, leave and other worker rights: Hawaii Worker Rights
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